Bake and Brew Awards 2026 | 7 never standing still, continuing to evolve remains a crucial part of its every day. A great example of this evolution and how Artiaga turns it into innovation came a few years before the pandemic, when it really started pushing transparency by showing customers what happens behind the scenes. This included sharing videos of its processes and explaining why it uses certified organic and agroecological ingredients. When lockdown happened and people began to take up baking and assess more deeply how food was made, they become more curious and demanding about the products they bought from stores. Since Artiaga had already demonstrated that it stood for the highest standards in the baking industry, it aligned with what customers wanted. Of course, given its esteemed history, there is a weight that comes with every innovation or decision made within this traditional Argentine bakery, which is very aware of the legacy that rests on its shoulders. Many would simply use this legacy as an excuse to rest on their laurels, but the belief that tradition is not about just doing things the way they have always been done, and instead about knowing what should never change whilst having the courage to improve everything else, is a fundamental part of Artiaga and why this artisan bakery in Buenos Aires continues to receive international acclaim. Today, Artiaga is firmly in the 21st century, as seen through 60% of its leadership positions being occupied by women. This is not all, and Artiaga is proud to employ people with disabilities, and it actively hires talented professionals over the age of 50 because their experience is something it deeply values. The diversity encompassed within the team is something the bakery cherishes, and its culture reflects the respect that is shared for every member of staff across Artiaga’s branches. Discussing this culture, Marisol explained: “For me, culture is what people experience every morning when they walk through the bakery doors. If our team feel respected, supported, and proud of what they do, our customers will feel it too.” Given that some of the busiest times for the bakery are Christmas, Easter, and other such occasions, this environment keeps the team happy and committed as they work tirelessly to help thousands of other families make their celebrations better with products like its award-winning panettone and pan dulce. “We don’t build a great bakery by hiring great bakers. We build a great bakery by helping great people become great professionals.” Anchored by an exceptional team and a legacy few bakeries can begin to match, Artiaga has some exciting plans for the future. These include to continue growing, and Marisol is excited to announce that a third branch is in the works. Hopefully, this will be open sometime in 2028. By then, the team is expected to be close to 100, which is a slightly scary prospect, but certainly a welcome challenge for Marisol and co. The team never expected Artiaga to grow this much, and there is always the risk with expansion that it will cause a brand to lose its identity. Given the essence of this heritage family bakery is rooted in its history, this is simply not an option for the team, who strive to preserve the quality and values of the brand. Regardless of if they have one store or three, great products and enduring customer relationships remain at the heart of Artiaga, which inches ever closer to the 100th anniversary of its first-ever location. As this massive milestone looms, Artiaga is more aware than ever of the massive privilege that it has in touching the lives of so many across multiple generations through the products its organic bakery creates. The hope is for the next generation of the Rodríguez Family to take up the mantle and continue the legacy of Artiaga that will be passed on to them. However, Artiaga can only go on if it is operated with the same respect for the craft that has governed this traditional Argentine bakery since before Antonio took it over. “We want to continue improving, learning, investing in our people, and respecting our craft”, Marisol commented, “and hopefully, one day, see a new generation continue this story. But only if it comes from the heart. Because this profession asks for passion, dedication, and love. Those things can never be inherited; they have to be chosen.” Ultimately, when looking back at 95 years of Panadería Artiaga, what is clear is that the brand has not been built by one person. Every achievement celebrated over the years, from the 16 international awards and eight national recognitions it has received to being named the best traditional bakery in Argentina four years in a row by its customers and even becoming the vice world champions of panettone in Milan, is the work of many people. It belongs to the generations before Marisol and her siblings, who built the business with honesty and dedication; it belongs to the team, who come in every morning ready to give their all, especially during the busy periods of the year when most people are celebrating with their families; and it belongs to Artiaga’s suppliers, behind-the-scenes heroes who share its commitment to quality and embody this through their organic ingredients. Most of all, however, it belongs to the customers. For almost a century, they have trusted Artiaga with everything from life’s quiet moments to some of the most meaningful experiences they have had. Marisol added: “They welcomed us to their breakfast tables, their birthdays, their Easter celebrations, their Christmas dinners, and countless ordinary mornings that became special because they were shared together.” This level of trust can never be taken for granted, and Artiaga never has, not even for a second. In closing, Marisol reflected: “If our story has taught us anything, it’s that success is never measured only by the products you make. It’s measured by the relationships you build, the values you protect, and the people who choose to walk beside you for generations. We hope people remember us not simply as a bakery that lasted for 100 years, but as a bakery that was worthy of people’s trust for 100 years.” More on the traditional Argentine bakery named Heritage Craft Bakery of the Year 2026 as part of the first ever Bake and Brew Awards can be found by visiting Panadería Artiaga at the web address linked below. Contact: Marisol Alfonso Rodríguez Company: Panadería Artiaga Web Address: https://panaderiaartiaga.com/en/
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